Tolkien:Maker of Middle-Earth

Currently running at The Bodleian Library in Oxford is the largest ever exhibition of the works of JRR Tolkien. This very impressive tome, put together by Catherine McIlwaine, the Tolkien archivist at said library and curator of the exhibition, quite simply outdoes all previous works on the subject. It’s a large format book, printed on top quality art paper, and was created specifically for the exhibition. It begins with six in depth essays on various parts of Tolkien’s life and work, and these alone are worth the price of admission. Beyond that is the catalogue itself, comprising nine sections mirroring the nine sections of artefacts on display. Many of the maps, letters and drawings are seen in public for the first time – interestingly, one of the letters to Tolkien is from a nineteen year old Terry Pratchett, while another comes from none other than Joni Mitchell, seeking permission to use the names Lorien and Strider for her music and publishing companies! The level of detail throughout the book is just incredible, showing the development of the numerous characters, locations and storylines in The Hobbit, Lord of The Rings and The Silmarillion, not to mention the years of extensive work and research that went into his tales.

Length of Read:Long

Might appeal to people who enjoyed…

If you’re a fan then this book is simply a must have, as it is surely the final word on the man and his work. It’s expensive but worth every penny, as this is a volume to keep coming back to time after time – and you’ll need to in order to absorb all the information here.

One thing you’ve learned

The exhibition is reaching the end of its run on 28th October – it’s free but ticketed admission. If you are a fan of Tolkien it’s simply a must see, so if you were wavering about paying it a visit then hesitate no more – it’s a super experience and this book is the perfect accompaniment to it.

Comments

Anyway, we went last Sunday – 3.30 slot. It was absolutely brilliant. We had to be thrown out at the end. Downside of that was the shop was closed and we missed out on buying the book, posters, bookmarks etc. Perhaps I will have to make the one hour drive just to get this book before the end of the month.

If you like Tolkien it is a wonderful thing to see. The original map of Middle Earth comprising tiny pieces of paper stuck together with parcel tape on the back must be worth a fortune. The letter from “Terence Pratchett” was a hoot too. Great to see those Pauline Baynes posters too. Apparently they are long out of print and fairly valuable now (£50 – £100). I might have mine somewhere. Will have a look and get them framed if they are in any decent state.

I’m going to see the exhibition next week (long planned, involving air travel). I have the book – and agree with almost everything the Bargepole says: it’s superbly presented, the five essays by Tom Shippey, Wayne Hammond et al. are excellent – and of value to both those unfamiliar with the backstory to Tolkien’s books as well as long-time aficionados. It’s also amazing value for money. Where I disagree is that it’s ‘the last word’ or ‘the only word’. There are a handful of other essential books if you’re interested in how Tolkien created his world, and in his biography – though many other books that are rubbish or derivitative of the essential ones. I’d say, though, that with its combinations of very accessible learned essays and illustrations, ‘Maker of Middle-Earth’ is a fantastic first buy for anyone who’s read LOTR and is curious about how it all came together.

Gandalf uttered a quiet “Hmmmmmm” while his right hand gripped the hilt of Glamdring tight, his knuckles whitening in the half-light. Sam looked worried, as he’d not expected the wizard to return from out of the west, let alone rock up at Hobbiton, looking to crash the night at Sam & Rose’s hobbit-hole, plush and extended though it now was, to house their eighteen children. “I’m sorry Sam,” said Gandalf, “I just had to come back to find out. How much did you say they were asking for this book? And why wasn’t I sent a review copy? Eh? Eh?”.

Sam patted Gandalf’s shoulder gently. “No need to worry, Mister Gandalf sir.” He said, “’tis generously priced at no more than you’d pay for a rabbit pie supper at the Prancing Pony. Why, only last week my very own copy arrived, and you’re welcome to have a long read sitting by the hearth with us. Let me fill your tankard, Old Thumper cider will soothe your travelling aches, and we’ll fill our pipes with the finest pipe-weed the Shire has to offer, settle in for the evening.”
Gandalf smiled. The young hobbit had matured so well. He felt at home again, and started making plans for another firework party.